Trish Gilbert Legislative Activism Award

In 2009, NATCA established the National Legislative Activism Award to be presented at NATCA in Washington. The following year, the award was renamed for one of NATCA’s most effective activists, Trish Gilbert.

Gilbert set the standard and defined what it means to be a legislative activist in this Union. The award was appropriately renamed for her incredible work ethic, drive to take NATCA from “good” to “great,” and the inspiration she is to others.

It is significant to remember that only two of the previous winners served on NATCA's National Legislative Committee. All others were activists who were inspired by NATCA’s legislative vision and stepped up to do extraordinary work. They didn’t have legislative titles, just a passion to better serve the Union through their legislative efforts. That is what makes our Union so effective. Some of the work past winners were recognized for includes:

• Organizing a drive to register voters,

• Establishing relationships within their state to defeat a bad facility consolidation during the White Book,

NATCA also honors activists from each region as chosen by their Regional Vice President. These NATCAvists have devoted a lot of time and energy to building congressional relationships, educating other members about NATCA’s legislative efforts, and advancing legislation important to NATCA.